7 traits only people with high IQ find impressive in others, according to psychology

For a long time, I’ve been intrigued by what makes people tick.

Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit. I’ve always been passionate about psychology and understanding the complexities of the human mind.

You know what fascinates me the most? Intelligence and what high IQ individuals find impressive in others.

When I was younger, I had a somewhat naive assumption that intelligent people were only interested in intellectual pursuits and academic achievements. Boy, was I wrong!

Over the years, my understanding grew deeper. I realized that those with high IQs are often impressed by traits that go beyond just textbook knowledge.

So, after a good amount of research, and countless conversations with some really bright minds, I’ve boiled it down to these 7 traits that people with high IQ typically find impressive in others. And guess what? It’s not all about being a human encyclopedia!

Brace yourselves, you’re in for some potentially surprising revelations.

1) Emotional intelligence

One of the first traits that really struck me was emotional intelligence.

Often, we assume high IQ individuals are only impressed by intellectual prowess. But in my conversations with these bright minds, something else kept coming up: emotional intelligence.

They were impressed by people who could understand and manage their own emotions, as well as empathize with the feelings of others. This ability to navigate the emotional landscape is often more complex and challenging than any intellectual task.

I was surprised, but it makes sense. Intelligence isn’t just about facts and figures. It’s also about understanding the human experience on a deeper level.

So, if you want to catch the attention of someone with a high IQ, don’t just flex your intellectual muscles. Show them you can engage with emotions in a mature and understanding way.

Remember, it’s not just about how much you know, but also how well you understand yourself and those around you.

2) Curiosity

I remember a friend of mine, a fellow psychology enthusiast and one of the smartest people I know, once told me that he’s most impressed by people who ask questions – those who are genuinely interested in learning and understanding the world around them.

It made me realize that curiosity is indeed a marker of intelligence. It’s not just about knowing a lot of things but also having the hunger to learn more.

And this isn’t just my personal observation. Famous psychologist Albert Einstein once said, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

That quote stuck with me because it underscores the value of curiosity. It’s not about being the smartest in the room but being the one who is eager to know more, to understand better, and to delve deeper into the mysteries around us.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and show your interest in learning. It’s a trait that high IQ individuals truly appreciate.

3) Authenticity

I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a highly intelligent mentor of mine. He said he was always more impressed by someone who was genuinely themselves, rather than trying to fit in or impress others with a false persona.

His words really resonated with me. In a world full of people trying to conform to societal standards or pretending to be someone they’re not, authenticity is indeed a rare and impressive trait.

It takes courage to be yourself and stand up for your beliefs, especially when they go against the grain. And yet, it’s this very authenticity that high IQ individuals find appealing.

So, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Your authenticity is not only impressive – it’s refreshing. Stand out from the crowd by being true to who you are. After all, an original is always worth more than a copy.

4) Open-mindedness

I’ve noticed that intelligent people appreciate those who are open to new ideas, willing to change their opinions when presented with new information, and not stubbornly holding onto outdated beliefs.

Interestingly, this isn’t just anecdotal. A study conducted by DeYoung, Peterson, and Higgins in 2005 found a positive correlation between open-mindedness and intelligence.

The study suggests that individuals who are more open to experience, which includes intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, tend to score higher on intelligence tests.

The findings of this study resonated with my own experiences. It’s impressive when someone has the humility to admit they might be wrong and the openness to consider other perspectives.

So don’t be afraid to show your open-mindedness. It’s not only a sign of intelligence but also a trait that high IQ individuals find incredibly appealing.

5) Resilience

Resilience is the fifth trait that high IQ individuals find impressive in others.

Life is full of challenges and setbacks. People with high IQs are not just impressed by how much you know but also by how you handle adversity.

I recall a colleague of mine, a brilliant software engineer, who once told me about his admiration for people who could bounce back from failures. He believed that resilience and the ability to learn from mistakes were markers of a truly intelligent mind.

In his words, it’s easy to be smart when everything is going well, but the real test of intelligence is how you react when things go wrong.

So, don’t shy away from sharing your struggles and how you’ve overcome them. Your resilience might just be the trait that impresses a high IQ individual the most.

6) Kindness

The next trait that high IQ individuals find impressive is kindness.

I remember one of my university professors, a highly intelligent woman with a formidable intellect, telling us that she was always most impressed by people who showed kindness.

She believed that it took a special kind of intelligence to understand the value of kindness in a world that often seems harsh and unfeeling.

Kindness is an embodiment of this quote. It’s about observing and understanding others without judgment, and then taking action to help or support them.

So, don’t underestimate the power of kindness. It’s a trait that high IQ individuals not only appreciate but also admire.

7) Humility

The final trait might seem counterintuitive, but it’s humility.

Intelligent people often admire those who don’t flaunt their intelligence or achievements, but instead display a sense of humility. They appreciate those who recognize that there’s always more to learn and understand, no matter how much they already know.

I’ve met some extraordinarily intelligent people in my life, and the ones that truly impressed me were those who had a humble approach to their intelligence.

They never used their intellect to belittle others but instead used it to foster understanding and growth.

As a practical tip, next time you’re in a conversation, try to listen more than you speak. Show genuine interest in what others have to say.

This humble approach doesn’t just make you more likable; it’s also a trait that high IQ individuals find impressive. After all, true wisdom lies in knowing that you know nothing.

Conclusion

Intelligence isn’t just about how much you know, but also about how you use that knowledge and how you interact with others.

My advice to you? Be curious, be kind, be authentic, be open-minded, be resilient, be humble. Show your emotional intelligence.

Don’t aim to impress with your intellect alone; strive to impress with your character. After all, the most beautiful minds are those that shine with understanding and kindness.

And remember, the journey of self-improvement is a continuous one. Keep learning, keep growing, keep being you.